The 9 Best Sunscreens for Skiing & Snowboarding
The 9 Best Sunscreens for Snow Skiing & Snowboarding
You’re probably used to slathering on sunscreen before you head to the beach or spend a day lounging by the pool. But even winter activities like skiing and snowboarding can involve exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. In fact, UV exposure could be more significant at higher altitudes and there’s all that reflective snow to think about.
Featured Products
EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
More sizes available
Sweat-resistant, water-resistant sun protection built for active lifestyles. EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ is a high-performance, water-resistant sunscreen ideal for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who spends time in the sun. Formulated with transparent zinc oxide, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and...
- From $32.00
- From $32.00
- Unit price
- per
PCA Skin Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30
-
Protect aging skin against UVA and UVB rays with our most hydrating sunscreen recommended for dry or dehydrated skin. Reef safe formula provides broad spectrum protection. Formulated without parabens.
- $52.00
- $52.00
- Unit price
- per
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50
-
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"This sunscreen hydrates like a moisturizer while protecting like a shield. It’s fragrance-free, lightweight, and ideal under makeup or on bare skin.","italic":true}]}]}
- $46.00
- $46.00
- Unit price
- per
EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
-
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"100% mineral full body sunscreen suitable for active lifestyles & combination skin","italic":true}]}]}
- $45.00
- $45.00
- Unit price
- per
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+
-
Eryfotona Actinica is a fast-absorbing, ultralight emulsion providing all-mineral broad spectrum sun protection. Its innovative formula contains Patented DNA Repairsomes®, clinically proven to repair existing sun damage. Eryfotona Actinica is the perfect lightweight sunscreen for all day use, every day.
- $73.00
- $73.00
- Unit price
- per
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Broad Spectrum SPF 50
-
Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen with SPF 50 for all skin types and skin tones, including dry skin, helps protect against 98% of UVB rays with Cell-Ox Shield Technology®.This daily hydrating sunscreen with hyaluronic acid provides hydrated, healthier-looking skin and a dewy finish with a...
- $39.99
- $39.99
- Unit price
- per
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
More sizes available
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Zinc oxide mineral tinted sunscreen for your face","italic":true}]}]}
- From $45.00
- From $45.00
- Unit price
- per
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
- FAIR
-
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Provides 100% mineral SPF protection with adaptive tint technology for flawless, hydrating coverage","italic":true}]}]}
- $58.00
- $58.00
- Unit price
- per
Sonrei Clearly Zinq SPF 60 Mineral Sunscreen Gel
-
Sonrei Clearly Zinq Sunscreen is a premium, environmentally-conscious sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for all skin types and pigments in the form of a mineral gel.Not watered down, Sonrei provides concentrated, water resistant sun protection via a proprietary organogel containing Shea Butter and...
- $40.00
- $40.00
- Unit price
- per
Key Takeaways
- Even in winter, high altitudes and reflective snow increase UV exposure.
- Choose sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher.
- Opt for hydrating, water- and sweat-resistant formulas for cold, dry conditions.
- Mineral sunscreens are great for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Reapply regularly, especially when skiing or snowboarding.
1. EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
Choosing the best sunscreen for snow skiing isn’t just about preventing sunburn. After all, most of your skin is likely to be covered by your gear. It’s also about keeping your skin comfortable and healthy in cold, dry, and windy conditions. Check out our recommendations below.
[product-1]
Gently formulated but designed to deliver powerful sun protection, this EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is ideal for outdoor sports. It’s made with transparent zinc oxide, so it won’t leave behind a white cast, and it can be applied to wet or dry skin. Enjoy up to 80 minutes of water- and sweat-resistant protection and rest easy knowing that it’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, so it’s safe for sensitive skin.
Why You’ll Love It
- Provides broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection
- Water- and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes
- Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formula
2. PCA Skin Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30
[product-2]
Looking for a sunscreen that hydrates as well as protects? Try this PCA Skin Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 formula. Designed to deliver SPF 30 protection against both UVA and UVB rays, this sunscreen is the perfect choice for dry and dehydrated skin. It’s infused with glycerin and other moisturizing ingredients to help protect your skin’s moisture barrier.
Why You’ll Love It
- Infused with moisturizing ingredients to hydrate skin
- Delivers broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays
- Recommended for dry and dehydrated skin
3. MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50
[product-3]
Another hydrating formula infused with moisturizing ingredients, this MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s dermatologist-developed and designed for a lightweight feel that works well under makeup or on bare skin.
Why You’ll Love It
- Dermatologist-developed mineral sunscreen
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Non-comedogenic and made with hydrating ingredients
4. EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
[product-4]
If you prefer mineral sunscreen, this EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ could be a great choice. It’s formulated for activity, designed to stay put in spite of sweat and moisture for up to 80 minutes. Plus, it’s gentle and non-comedogenic which makes it a great fit for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Why You’ll Love It
- Broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 50+
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Gentle, non-comedogenic formula free from harsh ingredients
5. ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+
[product-5]
Want long-lasting sun protection without a greasy, heavy feel? This ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion offers SPF 50+ protection in a fast-absorbing, lightweight formula. It’s an all-mineral sunscreen infused with patented DNA Repairsomes that help reduce visible signs of existing sun damage.
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers powerful SPF 50+ protection
- Lightweight mineral sunscreen with a fast-absorbing formula
- Won’t clog pores or leave your skin feeling greasy
6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Broad Spectrum SPF 50
[product-6]
This La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Broad Spectrum SPF 50 comes in a pump-style bottle for easy application. It’s infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and provides broad-spectrum protection for all skin types with Cell-Ox Shield Technology.
Why You’ll Love It
- Provides SPF 50+ protection for all skin tones and types
- Pump-style bottle for easy application
- Infused with hyaluronic acid to help moisturize your skin
7. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
[product-7]
This 100% mineral sunscreen features a universal tint that adapts to most skin tones. Formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, it provides SPF 50 protection and enhances your skin’s natural tone with a lightweight finish.
Why You’ll Love It
- Lightweight mineral sunscreen safe for sensitive skin
- Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes
- Universal tint adapts to most skin tones
8. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
[product-8]
Infused with adaptive tint technology, this Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex comes in six shades that blend seamlessly with your skin tone. It protects against UV rays, blue light, and environmental stressors.
Why You’ll Love It
- All-mineral protection against UVA and UVB rays
- Adaptive tint technology for a seamless finish
- Water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes
9. Sonrei Clearly Zinq SPF 60 Mineral Sunscreen Gel
[product-9]
Hydrate and protect your skin this winter with Sonrei Clearly Zinq SPF 60 Mineral Sunscreen Gel. This mineral gel glides on smooth, blends effortlessly, and moisturizes your skin with shea butter and aloe vera for a matte, fresh finish.
Why You’ll Love It
- Mineral gel sunscreen with SPF 60 protection
- Blends seamlessly into skin for a matte finish
- Infused with hydrating shea butter and aloe vera
How to Choose Sunscreen for Winter Activities
Winter sports can expose your skin to UV rays, wind, and cold—all of which can be damaging. Here’s how to choose the right sunscreen for your next ski trip:
Go for Broad-Spectrum Protection
Make sure you’re protected against both UVA and UVB rays by selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen. While UVB rays cause sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deeper and contribute to aging. Perfect for outdoor sports, EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ and EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ are both great picks.
Choose SPF 30 or Higher
At higher altitudes, UV exposure increases about 4–5% for every 1,000 feet. Choose SPF 30 or higher—ideally SPF 50+—to protect your skin. Try MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 or SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 for extra coverage.
Look for Water- and Sweat-Resistant Formulas
Skiing and snowboarding can be sweaty activities. Moisture from sweat and snow can impact sunscreen performance, so choose sport-specific formulas like EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ or MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50.
Avoid Lightweight Formulas and Sprays
Cold, dry conditions call for heavier cream-based sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin. For hydration, try PCA Skin Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or the mineral gel-based Sonrei Clearly Zinq SPF 60.
Gear Up for Winter with Exclusive Beauty Club
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just love the outdoors, having the right skincare gear is essential. Join the Exclusive Beauty Club loyalty program to earn points for every $1 spent, get 250 points just for signing up, and enjoy 500 bonus points on your birthday!
Recommended Blogs
The Top 8 Travel-Sized Moisturizers (TSA-Friendly Under 3.4 oz)
Traveling soon? Keep your skin healthy and hydrated with TSA-friendly moisturizers under 3.4 oz. This guide highlights eight dermatologist-recommended travel-sized...
The Top 9 Moisturizers for Men This Winter
Struggling with dry skin this winter? This blog highlights the top 9 moisturizers specifically selected for men’s winter skincare routines....
Moisturizer vs Lotion (Are They the Same?)
Moisturizer and lotion aren’t the same - lotion is actually one type of moisturizer. While moisturizers are any products that...
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.